PROPAFENONE, A NEW EFFECTIVE ANTIARRHYTHMIC DRUG. REPORT OF 2 YEARS CLINICAL EXPERIMENT WITH PROPAFENONE (WITH BRIEF REVIEW OF ARTICLES)

Abstract

Propafenone HCI (p), is a relatively new Class IC antiarrhythmic agent. It has been reported to be superior to conventional antiarrhythmics in the control of supraventricular, ventricular and WPW associated tachyarrhythmias. It has been also shown to be well tolerated. In our study protocol, which extends over 2~ years period , we used (p) in 87 patients for management of various types of cardiac arrhythmias (most of whom were resistant to conventmonal antiarrhythmics) . Intravenously administered, (P) was effective in 85% of patients with paroxysmal reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (PRSVT), 75% of those with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) , 50% and 42% of those with refractory premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and ventricular tachycardia (V. Tach), respectively. Orally administered, (P) was effective in 73% of those with resistant PVCs and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSV Tach), and 75% of those with resistant sustained ventricular tachycardia (RSVT) •